Have a Chimney Leak? Ashbusters Knoxville Can Fix It Fast
A leak is one of the worst things that can happen to your chimney. Not because your chimney can’t handle a little rain – after all, chimneys are built to withstand the elements, including rain, snow, and wind. However, the real problems arise when a leak goes unnoticed or unaddressed.
Brick and mortar are naturally porous, meaning they absorb some water on their own. But if you have a crack in the chimney or crown, spalling brick, or a missing chimney cap, this allows more than just a little water in. Over time, water can deteriorate the brick and mortar portions of your chimney, cause metal components in your fireplace and chimney to rust, and silently soak nearby walls, ceilings, and attic spaces.
The bottom line is… When it comes to a chimney leak, the sooner you act, the better – for your chimney, your home, and your wallet. Ready to get started? Give us a call now or book your appointment online today. We’re happy to serve you soon.
How Do You Know You Have a Chimney Leak & What Should You Do if You Suspect One?
The worst thing about spotting a chimney leak is that it isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it may look more like a roof leak, and other times it remain unseen until significant damage has already occurred. However, there are several signs of chimney leaks to be alert for, including:
- You smell damp or musty odors near your chimney
- You have peeling or bubbling paint around the chimney
- You spot water in your fireplace
- Walls and/or ceilings near your chimney are discolored or have water stains
- Your attic has wood rot or mold growing in it
- You hear dripping sounds in your fireplace during a rainstorm
- You see water running down a wall or ceiling near your chimney
- You see spalling or flaking brick on the chimney exterior
- There’s a white, chalky substance (efflorescence) on the surface of the chimney
- You notice visible damage to the chimney crown or flashing
If you suspect a leak, it’s important to take the right course of action so we don’t waste valuable time hiring the wrong professional. When there’s a leak, your first thought might be to call a roofer. However, we recommend you skip the roofer and call a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) -certified chimney professional first.
While roofers are skilled in their field, they may not have the specialized knowledge needed to address issues related to chimney systems and leaks. This not only results in extended periods of time trying to troubleshoot the issue, but also possible ineffective solutions that you’ll just have to have us come fix.
Ashbusters Chimney Service of Knoxville has a team of certified chimney technicians that have undergone hours of training in order to quickly diagnose leaks, offer effective solutions, and ensure your chimney remains in good working condition.
What Causes a Chimney to Leak?
The first step in helping prevent chimney leaks from occurring is by knowing how they happen.
- Your flashing may be failing. The flashing is the metal material at the base of your chimney that helps create a tight seal between the chimney and the roof. If you’re experiencing a leak from the flashing, it’s possible it wasn’t installed correctly in the first place. But more likely, it’s because the flashing has become damaged due to normal wear and tear or if you’ve recently experienced some kind of extreme weather event.
- Your chimney cap may be missing or damaged. The chimney cap sits at the very top of your chimney, just above the flue. Its purpose is to provide protection against rain, snow, debris, and animals entering your home. Without a chimney cap, there is a clear path for these things to come in and wreak havoc on your chimney.
- Your crown may need to be repaired or your chase cover replaced. Depending on your chimney, you may have a crown (concrete) or a chase cover (metal). These serve a similar purpose as a chimney cap, as they offer protection against water infiltration, except they sit below the chimney cap and cover almost the entire chimney.
- Your brick chimney stack may be damaged and absorbing excess water. As previously mentioned, bricks naturally absorb some water. It is the unavoidable freezing in the winter that can cause more problems – we refer to this as the freeze-thaw cycle. It’s when the water in the brick freezes, expands (causing larger cracks), and then thaws. Those cracks left from the frozen water get bigger each time it freezes, and don’t stop until you’ve got an entire chimney crumbling.
The good news? Ashbusters Chimney Service of Knoxville is here to help with all of the above. If you’re concerned about how to stop a leak in your chimney, don’t fret. Give us a call instead at 865-448-4815. You can also book with us online.
How Do You Fix & Prevent Chimney Leaks?
Chimney leak fixes will vary depending on what’s causing the leak in the first place. However, our team is experienced and capable of making any necessary repairs. We specialize in flashing repairs/installation/sealing, chimney cap installation, chimney crown repairs, chase cover replacement, and brick and masonry repairs. We also waterproof chimneys for years of protection against masonry damage and leaks.
Of course, there are also some simple things you can do to prevent chimney leaks, like the following:
- Keep your gutters clean and check your downspouts. When gutters are dirty or clogged with leaves, water can hang out inside of them instead of running down and away from the home. Likewise, if downspout terminations are in improper places, water could be draining onto the chimney base.
- Trim back any trees or bushes near your chimney. It may not seem like much, but water and dew that gathers on trees, bushes, and shrubs can drip down onto the chimney and cause masonry damage. And damaged masonry will always take in more moisture than masonry that’s in good condition.
- Watch where you put your sprinkler. Sprinklers are great for watering your lawn and your garden, but make sure that you’re not watering your chimney as well. Exposure to excess moisture can cause masonry damage and chimney leaks over time.
But the best way to guard your chimney against leaks is to schedule yearly chimney inspections. We will come out to look over the entire fireplace and chimney – inside and out – to ensure it is ready to heat your home safely and efficiently. Regular inspections are key to preventing leaks, protecting your home, and enjoying your fireplace worry-free this season.
If everything looks good to go, we will give you a thumbs up, and leave with you our phone number in case you have any other questions or concerns come up. It’s that simple!
Call Today for Leak Repair & Leak Prevention You Can Trust
If you live in the Knoxville area and you suspect a chimney leak or would like to save yourself the hassle and cost by investing in chimney leak prevention, give Ashbusters Chimney Service of Knoxville a call. Our team of licensed, insured, and knowledgeable chimney technicians will make sure that water stays out – and that your chimney stays strong and beautiful for years to come.
Call 865-412-2444 or request an appointment online to get started.
To keep rain, debris, and uninvited critters from getting into your chimney, ask our chimney repair crew to install a new chimney cap.